Welcome.
Today we are going for a walk and it's a chance to take in the energy of the more than human world.
As we walk together,
I will invite you to slow down and notice some of the natural wonders that may be gracing your path.
We'll get started by taking a few deep breaths together.
Inhale and exhale.
Let's do that a couple more times.
Just trying to slow the pace of our mind by slowing the pace of our breath and keeping that slow pace as we walk.
One of the most important lessons that I've learned on my journey is to slow down.
And one of my favorite teachers,
Thich Nhat Hanh,
Reminds us that every step we take is a miracle.
Throughout this meditation,
I'll bring us back to the intention of slowness and to the truth that every step is a miracle.
As we begin with our breathing,
I'd like to just offer that every breath is a miracle as well.
Let's take a breath together as we walk.
As you walk,
I invite you to notice the textures that you encounter along the way.
Maybe you're seeing shapes of leaves or lines on tree bark.
Notice these details and the textures,
The little gifts from nature that we receive when we are present.
If it feels good for you to reach out and touch something,
Please do.
Maybe bend down and put your fingers on the ground,
Touch the earth,
Or run your fingertips over some grass,
And just be with that sensation,
That sense of touch.
Maybe you feel a temperature on your hand.
Maybe what you're touching is cool or warm.
Maybe there's grooves or bumps or maybe it's smooth.
As you walk,
Brush your hand up against what you might be passing in nature and just feel what comes up for you in your body.
When we take it slow,
We're able to witness other beings on the path,
Little wonders of nature,
How we are similar,
How we are different,
How we can touch others,
And how others can find a way into our heart.
You might notice tiny little beings along your stroll today,
And maybe they're calling to you in their own unique way.
Every step is a miracle.
Every breath is a miracle.
And every being is a miracle.
As we walk,
Let's breathe together again.
Inhale and exhale.
If you're finding that your breath is fast or your mind is wandering,
I invite you to just take it slow.
Maybe look down at your feet or gaze up towards the sky.
And notice if anything is in motion around you.
Maybe there's clouds in motion.
Maybe there's something crawling on the path.
Perhaps there's other humans in motion around you,
Or cars or animals.
We share this beautiful space with humans and the more-than-human world.
And we notice when we are slow and when we are paying attention,
We notice how all of nature interacts with each other.
We're present in a space of oneness,
And we experience this feeling of interconnectedness.
If there is something in motion that calls in your attention at any point on the walk,
If you are called to stop or sit,
And if it is safe to do so,
Please do.
These are opportunities to witness other beings and exchange our energy.
Every step is a miracle.
Every breath is a miracle.
And every being is a miracle.
As we wrap up our walking meditation,
You may want to continue to stroll and enjoy the environment.
You may want to experience a little bit more interaction with the natural world.
I encourage you to do that.
I'd like to thank you for joining me today.
I feel a deep sense of connection when we do this together,
No matter where we are in the world.
We are walking the same path,
And we can meet each other in this place of slowness and gratitude for the miracle of being alive.
Thank you.
